Surprise, surprise for Claire

Arguably the loudest cheer of the night at Boundary Park on Tuesday came during the half-time interval with John Walker's marriage proposal to girlfriend Claire Markwick.

It was certainly a surprise for Claire as PA announcer David Broadbent popped the question on behalf of John as the pair sat in the Main Stand.

"Claire was shocked. It was her birthday two days later and initially she thought the announcement was because of that," explained John who then got down on bended knee to make the formal proposal and producing the engagement ring he had hidden in his pocket.

And there was delight for John (27), an IT technician at Oldham Academy, as an overjoyed Claire immediately accepted.

Chadderton-based Claire (27), who works for JD Williams in Manchester, is a massive Latics' fan and in the past has even taken part in kit launches for the club by modelling new playing strips.